Test Reviews

Released at the SHOT Show 2015, MINOX USA introduced their new tactical line of optics and among those is the new ZP8 1-8x24mm model. For those that have never heard of the brand, MINOX is a very old German optic maker and it has recently acquired Optronica, the German manufacturer of the 3-15x56mm sniper scope for the US Marine Corps. The new MINOX ZP8 1-8x24mm is the finished development of an Optronica design.

The new MINOX ZP8 is a direct challenger to the two other premium 1-8x tactical scopes on the market: the Leupold Mark 8 1.1-8x24mm and the Schmidt & Bender Short-Dot 1-8x24mm. Size and weight wise, all three are practically the same at around 12-in long and 24 ounces.

This huge, precise optic is a wonderful example of the increasingly popular battle-scope configuration. With an impressive 8x power range, the MINOX zooms from extreme wide angle (too wide, we thought) up to useful magnifications for precision work out to 500 yards. The exposed turrets are tight, and the first-plane reticle has an innovative illumination feature that lights either the center crosshairs or the entire reticle, depending on magnification. Built on a 34mm tube, the 25-ounce ZP8 is lighter than it appears.

With so many camera trap makes and models now available, advances in technology and (in general) a reduction in price, camera trapping has become a pastime for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Here I have a more detailed look at some of the makes and models on the market, features to look out for and how best to set your camera trap up.

Camera trapping can be phenomenally satisfying and a really enjoyable pastime. The buzz when you remove your SD card and flick through the images is something I will never tire of, as there is frequently a surprise waiting. Camera traps, or trail cameras as they are also known, have gone from expensive scientific kit to garden toy in a very short space of time. Increasingly they are being used for scientific and professional ecological monitoring but their affordability, durability and technological advancement have made them just as rewarding to use at home or on your local patch. In this article I will generally focus on the more affordable models rather that the higher priced scientific ones such as Reconyx.

MINOX is one of the oldest names in the optic business. At SHOT 2015, MINOX USA introduced an entirely new tactical line of scopes, binoculars and spotting scopes. The MINOX tactical scopes are built by Optronica in Germany. Optronica was the actual manufacturer of the scopes for the now defunct Primer Reticles. Their 3-15x56mm design was selected for the Marine Corps version of the KAC M110 semi-auto 7.62x51mm sniper rifle.